Air coming out of my right corner, is this a problem?

bmaassen

Yesterday before a gig I noticed that there was air coming out of my right corner when I play. I play a little off center to the right, and this recent discovery made me very worried. I'm not sure how long this has been happening but I don't think it's something I've always been doing.

Is this a problem? I can send a video of me playing if that helps at all.

Rod Haney · Heavyweight Member Joined: 22 Aug 2015 Posts: 937

I have known players who would let their lip and a little forward cheek puff a bit to cure that. 1 guy adopted it to his benefit the others abandoned as soon as leak stopped. Just a guess based on what I’ve known 3 players to explain.
Rod

John Mohan · Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2019 6:05 pm Post subject:

Do not be worried at all. At times during my career I've had the same thing happen. Didn't stop one paycheck from coming through.

When I was studying with Claude Gordon and this was happening I shared my concern with him. His response to me was, "That happened to me all the time. The walls in the CBS Studios probably still have my spit stuck to them."

Have a good day. Have great days!

Cheers,

John Mohan
Skype Lessons Available - Click on the e-mail button below if interested
Personal Valet to a Malamute (people with Malamutes will understand)

https://i.postimg.cc/R0G2bFdQ/IMG-6788.jpg
_________________
Trumpet Player, Clinician & Teacher
1st Trpt for Cats, Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Evita, Hunchback of Notre Dame,
Grease, The Producers, Addams Family, In the Heights, etc.
Ex LA Studio Musician
16 Year Claude Gordon Student

Robert P · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Feb 2013 Posts: 2596

I think it's fairly common, that when tensed to create an appropriate reed to play with the lips leak a bit elsewhere. In my case I think it's partly because of a lower canine tooth that's a bit crooked and makes a ready air channel. It's occurred to me that it's air that could be going through the horn but I don't seem to be able to completely stop it.

I played in a band next to a trumpeter named Danny Stiles - former studio guy who played with Bill Watrous among others and was Merv Griffin's lead player - and noticed he had a small mist of spittle where there was a leak.

I think Louis leaked a bit too.
_________________
Getzen Eterna Severinsen
King Silver Flair
Besson 1000
Bundy
Chinese C

Getzen Eterna Bb/A piccolo
Chinese Rotary Bb/A piccolo

Chinese Flugel

Alsorann · Posted: Mon Apr 08, 2019 9:52 pm Post subject:

The reference to a "reed" seems a little denigrating!

Robert P · Heavyweight Member Joined: 28 Feb 2013 Posts: 2596

Gawis · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2019 1:26 pm Post subject:

I too leak somewhat on both corners when playing trumpet. Though I'm a trombone player, I noticed this happens when I play after having not played trumpet for a while. Though this may not be the case for others, I suspect this happens when my mouth muscles are weak (unfit due to lack of consistent practice). However it goes away if I keep lips tight after a few days of gaining strength.

JetJaguar · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2019 1:44 pm Post subject:

I play a bit to the right, and it happens on the left side for me. Not too much though. I'm pursuing more strengthening exercises and will see how it goes.
_________________
1938 Martin Handcraft Imperial #2 bore, 38 bell
Bach 7C mouthpiece

I'm looking for a Connstellation 5C-N or 5B-N mouthpiece
www.jazzscales.org
The Coady Strengthening Exercises: http://coady.coolwarm.com

Richard III · Posted: Thu Apr 18, 2019 5:07 pm Post subject:

I used to play on the left side. Reason? I don't know. But whenever I tried to center the placement, the left side leaked. Doh. Left side weak. Solution? Play center and tighten left side. Huh. Simple? Not right away. But the eventual result was no more weak left side. No more leak. Just be aware and all will be taken care of.
_________________
Richard

King 1130 Flugabone
King 12C mouthpiece

Tobylou8 · Veteran Member Joined: 23 Feb 2019 Posts: 157

Leaks happen. Unless it affects your sound, fugetaboutit!

x9ret · Posted: Tue May 28, 2019 3:32 pm Post subject:

It is not a complete disaster but it does indicates an inefficiency, which is best eliminated as you want air going through the mouthpiece and instrument. Now that you're conscious of it, aim to gently tighten the corners of the mouth as you play so that the air is focused through the instrument.
_________________
https://payhip.com/sheetmusicplayalong

JetJaguar · Posted: Tue May 28, 2019 7:56 pm Post subject:

Try these exercises daily for two weeks and call us in the morning:

https://sites.google.com/view/coady-exercises/

They all but eliminated my side leak.
_________________
1938 Martin Handcraft Imperial #2 bore, 38 bell
Bach 7C mouthpiece

I'm looking for a Connstellation 5C-N or 5B-N mouthpiece
www.jazzscales.org
The Coady Strengthening Exercises: http://coady.coolwarm.com